Restorations | Stories of God’s Love Through Peachtree Church | Spring 2021

R E S T O R AT I O N S STORIES OF GOD’ S LOVE THROUGH PE ACHTREE CHURCH SPRING 2021

INSIDE The Power of Love One Man’s Disruptive Compassion

Giving of Ourselves During Trying Times Peachtree’s Easter Tradition Returns Connected During COVID Unexpected Togetherness in an Online World

CONTENTS 2 | The Power of Love

One Man’s Disruptive Compassion

10 | Giving of Ourselves During Trying Times 14 | Peachtree’s Easter Tradition Returns 18 | Peachtree Forward Peachtree Past Return to In-Person Worship

20 | Connected During COVID

Unexpected Togetherness in an Online World

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Rodney Milligan CREATIVE DIRECTOR Dan Johnson ART DIRECTOR/ PUBLICATION DESIGNER Amy Anderson WRITERS Tom Corvin Robert Nesmith Dan Johnson PHOTOGRAPHY Amy Anderson Tom Corvin Dan Johnson Morgan Kennedy GRAPHIC DESIGNER Hannah Bible PRINT PRODUCTION Mitch Reed Mickey Whitehead CREATIVE TEAM Bryan Benitez Jerry Flowers Quan Stallings SPECIAL APPRECIATION Kristy Beck Kay Flowers Liz Tash

“FOR EVERYONE WHO HAS BEEN BORN OF GOD OVERCOMES THE WORLD. AND THIS IS THE VICTORY THAT HAS OVERCOME THE WORLD—OUR FAITH.” – 1 John 5:4

For Christians, Easter is more than just a time of “rebirth and renewal.”

It is a time of resurrection and of new life, as God restores our faith in Him, just as He did for Jesus’ disciples that amazing morning.

It was little more than a year ago that we halted in-person services and activities in response to the pandemic. During this unexpected and tumultuous event that has challenged God’s church, He truly has blessed us—and others—through this time.

In an atmosphere where others stepped back, Peachtree kept moving forward. You all rose to meet the challenge, sending a message out to others that God loves them and wants to help them.

All of you, through God’s bountiful blessings, truly lived our Spirit-inspired call to join Christ daily in the restoration of all things.

Through Him, we are helping to keep food on tables, to keep families in their homes, and to keep people working.

Even during cessation of activities on campus, our ministers and members stayed connected. “Zoom Fatigue” is real, granted, but our communities met and flourished in an online capacity. It was refreshing to see our value of Unexpected Togetherness presented in a whole new light, as you endeavored to stay in touch with one another.

We celebrate this with you and observe with praise what God has performed through this church, as He faithfully works to restore His creation.

Restorations, this magazine, will periodically identify and proclaim that faithfulness, as we feature those from within and outside our community whom God has restored: to faith, to joy, and to Himself.

Today, we rejoice in the Resurrection of our Lord and Savior, who reminded us “Tetelestai,” or “Paid in Full,” once and for all.

Let us be thankful for what we have, be ready to give and share with those who need, and, as always, be quick to open our hearts and join with Christ daily.

The tomb is empty, but—praise Him—His Church is full.

THE

Peachtree member Rick Armstrong in Malawi, with the self-contained solar power station nearing completion.

2

|

R E S T O R AT I O N S

POWE R OF LOVE ONE MAN’S

DISRUPTIVE

COMPASSION

RICK ARMSTRONG IS A MONEY MAN. GLOBAL CORPORATE FINANCE. THIRTY YEARS AT WACHOVIA. NOW RETIRED. He’s also a churchgoing man, doing what he can at Peachtree Presbyterian, even traveling with its mission team to Malawi, one of the poorest countries in the world.

It’s there, in a remote northern mountain village called Sokola, Rick witnessed the church maxim in the construction of a dorm for high school girls.

“JOINING CHRIST DAILY IN THE RESTORATION OF ALL THINGS,” RICK SAID. “THAT’S WHAT IT’S ALL ABOUT.” Funded by the Peachtree Trust, the dorm was a must. It was safety or bust. The school was too far and too dangerous for many girls to walk. Others split rent, five to a nearby shack, but were still vulnerable to the the dangers of a harsh environment.

So, the dorm’s dedication is a day Rick Armstrong remembers well. Not for the mountain-wide party and speeches of thanks.

Not for the smiles on each girl’s face. Not for the giggles of glee at what would eventually be their first indoor shower.

Prior to the new dormitory for girls, these students lived in tiny mud brick huts with thatched grass roofs.

PEACHTREECHURCH.COM

|

3

What Rick Armstrong remembers is the power.

Electricity. The dorm didn’t have any. Meaning the girls would still be in the dark. Safe, yes.

But limited to the rising and setting of the sun when it came to the afterhours of their education. Homework by candlelight might sound fun. But it bothered Rick Armstrong, like an investment not fully realized.

With ninety percent of Malawi’s 20-million citizens nowhere near a power grid, and the dorm at a barely reachable elevation of almost four thousand-feet, the solution was obvious enough; solar power; a subject Rick was partially familiar with, since Peachtree already sponsored a small internship for installers.

lived and worked in Malawi, knew the lay of the land, and had the perfect contact for the Peachtree project; Sustain Power, a solar company in Cape Town that specializes in building mini-grid systems.

“I THINK IT’S A REAL TESTAMENT TO WHAT PEACHTREE IS DOING,” JOANNA SAID OF THE PROPOSAL. “YOU’RE REALLY BUILDING A FOUNDATION.” But unlike brick and mortar, solar isn’t a quick order. Mini-grids aren’t built in a day. And they’re not cheap. Sixty‑five grand. But when twenty Peachtree donors quickly pitched in, Rick saw God’s hand in the plan, and tried to get out of His way.

“In my organized mind,” Rick said, “I was thinking this was going to happen in this sequence and this time frame. But none of that,” he laughed, “really came about.”

The sunsets in Malawi are picturesque, but when the sun goes down, most Malawians are in the dark.

Excited to get started, Rick said to his computer, “Let’s go big. Let’s provide a mini‑grid for the entire campus.”

With no idea where to begin, he typed in the generic, “African solar.”

And that’s when he says the Holy Spirit took over.

Rick’s first call quickly led to Joanna Gentili.

She not only designed solar systems, she’d

4

|

R E S T O R AT I O N S

No. Once Joanna Gentili designed the system, it had to be built, a solar package Sustain Power calls “intelligent.” Smart components, converters, and a state-of-the-art Tesla designed battery system, all factory tested, placed in a giant container, and ready for assembly on arrival.

Start to finish: a year and a half. And then it’s loaded for shipping on a flatbed truck.

The first 1,990 miles from Cape Town was easy.

The last ten treacherously steep and narrow mountain miles to Sokola, not so much.

Prayers were at a premium at more than one perilous gulch.

Installers place the first solar panel (left) onto the mini-grid, signaling a new ‘day’ for Sokola. The process would continue (right) until all panels were secured.

Peachtree-sponsored interns, meanwhile, pre‑wired and prepared the campus, not just for dorm lights, but also for hot water, a luxury the girls of the village never imagined.

But it was all academic until the flatbed finally arrived, gently, gently dropping its precious cargo to the collective sighs of the village, including Rick Armstrong.

“These are able to function for thirty years,” John Fadiran explained. “It’s off the grid. It’s self‑sustaining. You don’t need a utility.”

“AND IF YOU CAN BUILD IT HERE,” AMES MARTIN LAUGHED, “YOU’VE SHOWN THAT YOU CAN DO IT ANYWHERE, RIGHT?”

“That was our worst fear coming up,” Rick remembers, “that somehow it would roll down a hill and be gone.”

But by dawn, the work was on, with Sustain Power’s Ames Martin and John Fadiran supervising everything; the scaffolding, the delicate installation of the paneling, and the heart of the system, the Tesvolt battery.

Malawian tech interns, sponsored by Peachtree, gained valuable real-world experience as they helped pre-wire the village.

PEACHTREECHURCH.COM

|

5

In theory, it’s liberty. Not just for Sokola. Not just for Malawi. But for all of Africa, any country in the continent where power is limited to but a few. Because a mini-grid is expansive, too. Not just decentralized power, but unlimited power.

In solar-speak, it’s as simple as plugging in another module.

“This is the future,” Ames says.

Which is why, as dusk settled on the end of another day’s progress, Peachtree’s three‑dozen solar prospects sat in an open‑aired class to learn more. Not only how to manage the Sokola system, but how to build another. And another. Until mini‑grids cover the mountains in power and light.

There were still final adjustments to be made and cable to be laid, but the future was already bright.

Following an informal graduation ceremony, replete with certificates, one of the young men bear-hugged Rick Armstrong and said, “I see my life changing.”

It means independence.

Joanna Gentili calls it the Holistic Four E’s: economic, environment, education, and equality.

And Sokola is the model for a brighter Malawi.

“THE IMPACT WILL BE FELT FOR GENERATIONS,” SHE SAID. ESPECIALLY FOR WOMEN, WHO, WITHOUT EDUCATION, WITHOUT SCHOOL, ARE DOOMED TO THE GENERATIONAL CYCLE OF POVERTY; CHILDREN BEARING CHILDREN, AND THE VILLAGE DRUDGERY OF WOMEN’S WORK; TOTING WATER, COOKING, WASHING, SELLING SMALL CROPS AT THE MARKET, JUST TO SURVIVE TO THE NEXT MOONRISE. Which, to paraphrase Neil Armstrong, makes the solar-powered Sokola dorm one small step for girls, and a giant leap for the nation.

And even though Rick Armstrong is no relation, he experienced some of the first man on the moon’s jubilation, climbing a top what even looks like a space station, as the ceremonial last solar panel was put in place, all systems go.

For roughly 547 days, ever since Rick first Googled “African Solar,” he’d yearned to say four words to mark the long-awaited occasion of the Holy Spirit’s culminating power.

Rick Armstrong greets a new graduate of the solar energy intern program.

Three, two, one…

“Let there be light!”

And Rick did, too. Not only for himself, a 70-year-old retiree on a mountaintop in the middle of nowhere, but for the young Malawians he worked with, bunked with, listening to their fireside dreams and what Peachtree’s solar project means to their lives.

6

|

R E S T O R AT I O N S

And with the flip of a dorm switch, there was light.

And God saw the light. And the light was good.

The ensuing hallelujahs, hugs, and high‑fives testified to a new beginning; the miracle of a literal shining city on the hill.

Team members celebrate the solar power station.

That was August 2, 2019, months before COVID 19 appeared on the world’s radar.

A hundred girls moved in that fall. As a boarding school with power, the government took notice, upgraded its status, replaced old benches with new desks. A computer center was next, twenty-one laptops supplied by a donor, giving students access to information the world over.

The mini-grid worked without a single glitch, until the pandemic hit, and students were sent home until further notice.

Still, today, a year later, the giant container looms over the campus like a winged monument to the Christian spirit of giving, and how bright the light of Christ can truly be.

As night falls, villagers investigate the container housing the mini-grid.

“I THINK OUR PURPOSE ON EARTH IS TO HELP AND SERVE OTHERS,” RICK SAYS NOW. “AND THIS IS A GREAT PLACE TO SERVE FELLOW CHRISTIANS.”

The new dormitory is the first building in the mountain village to have electricity.

PEACHTREECHURCH.COM

|

7

Aerial view of Sokola shows the mini-grid housing, below, and the students’ dorm building, above.

Dr. Jay Madden, Peachtree’s Pastor for Mission, introduced Armstrong to Malawi in 2017. Madden says he witnessed Armstrong’s empathy for people right away and knew Rick would have a lasting impact, even for people he had never met.

“COMPLETE STRANGERS, PEOPLE ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE WORLD HAVE POWER NOW BECAUSE OF PASSIONATE PEOPLE LIKE RICK ARMSTRONG,” HE SAYS. “THAT’S THE POWER OF LOVE.”

Namutegha

Jay Madden and Rick Armstrong with a Peachtree sponsored tech school graduate and solar intern, Robert Silomba, in Malawi.

With a level of commitment borne from success, Armstrong’s desire now is to take this proof of concept solar energy plant even further, spreading light even deeper into northern Malawi.

A pair of new solar projects are now in Peachtree’s sights; Njerengwa and Namutegha, two schools even deeper in the mountains of northern Malawi, where more students are even more limited, at least in terms of power, safety, and education.

8

|

R E S T O R AT I O N S

But reaching the heart of darkness is no longer quite the challenge. Transporting the big box is out. Streamlined.

Packed in pickups, assembled on site, mini-grids can now safely reach any height without challenging the fate of the narrow mountain gates.

Njerengwa

Even the backcountry schools of Njerengwa and Namutegha are no longer unreachable.

TOTAL COST: $110,000. | CHANGED LIVES: PRICELESS. And that includes Rick Armstrong, a retired banker just looking for ways to serve the Lord’s Great Commission, until the Holy Spirit revealed his mission; helping Peachtree provide the literal and spiritual power of Christ through solar.

“They see their lives changing,” Rick says, tearing up at the memory of thankful faces. “For all of them.

It’s getting better. That’s what it’s all about. So, yeah.

I’m going to stay with this. I’m going to keep telling the story.”

And since the story’s far from over, he invites others to restore hope and joy, providing opportunity through light, for God’s Kingdom.

This year’s Easter Offering will support the construction, delivery, and installation of two solar mini-grids to service villages and schools in remote regions of Malawi. You can participate in this extraordinary opportunity.

Armstrong inspects a lighted dorm room.

Scan this code with your phone to see a video about our solar initiative in Malawi.

PeachtreeChurch.com/EasterGift PEACHTREECHURCH.COM

|

9

Giving “And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.”

– Hebrews 13:16

10

|

R E S T O R AT I O N S

OF OURSELVES D U R I N G T R Y I N G T I M E S Each of us is experiencing disruptions in our personal lives through the swells and troughs of the pandemic. Some, however, are taking on much more than that. They have experienced the loss of family members, and the loss of constant personal contact. Others have lost their livelihoods and even their homes.

How must it feel to face eviction through no fault of your own? How must it feel to be suddenly unemployed, to lose the ability to pay rent or mortgage, to buy food, to clothe your family? God tells us to be ready to give, and to help those in need.

Truly, events of the last year saw many of our community in need.

And Peachtree responded, as the Holy Spirit mobilized our members to help, either through giving of their time or resources. Although the church was not “open,” thanks to God’s grace and our members’ faithful generosity, we were able to keep the entire staff fully employed.

We continued working with our outreach partners, creating our Feeding the 5,000 initiative, and we established several ways to assist those in our community affected by suddenly reduced incomes.

PEACHTREECHURCH.COM

|

11

Rent Assistance A major by-product of events this past year included people losing their jobs, facing reduced paychecks due to loss of hours, or staying home with children as schools and daycares closed. As a result, many of these faced financial hardship in paying rent.

In addition to supporting the construction of its 157th Habitat for Humanity home, Peachtree focused on rent assistance for 100 families as its Christmas offering last year. “Peachtree’s generosity continues to make an impact, as God not only met our goal, but He exceeded it, enabling us to help more than 200 families, when all is said and done,” said Ginny Nickles, Director of Mission Mobilization and Innovation.

Working with our partners, which include Envision Atlanta, Habitat for Humanity, Buckhead Christian Ministry, Community Assistance Center, the Stewart Center, and Nicholas House, our congregation gave generously, helping these families stay in their homes.

“It is so fulfilling, that at the same time we were celebrating the birth of our Lord who Himself had ‘no place to lay his head,’ we were able to establish a way to help those in unexpected circumstances have a place of their own,” said Dr. Jay Madden, Pastor for Missions.

“Our members have funded Habitat homes in past years. We did that again this year, and more.”

Jobs Initiative Program As it became apparent people were facing loss of employment, the church established the Peachtree Jobs Initiative in April, helping to provide counseling and guidance by business professionals and industry leaders in our congregation.

Applicants registered online by replying to a series of questions regarding their expertise and careers. A Peachtree Jobs Initiative volunteer would contact them and help shepherd them through their current situation.

“Most of our applicants needed short-term, immediate help,” said Donna Psalmonds, Peachtree’s Belong Communities Coordinator. “Others were looking for a more long-term, career-change transition, which requires a little more time and involvement.”

And people are still in need. As such, this program is ongoing, with our amazing volunteers continuing to help so many.

12

|

R E S T O R AT I O N S

Feeding the 5,000 Peachtree Church coordinated with already existing partners to establish our Feeding the 5,000 initiative. Volunteers worked with LaAmistad and Urban Recipe to provide food to families who relied on the breakfast and lunch programs at Fulton County and Atlanta Public schools.

Since schools were closed, many families lost their immediate access to these programs. At the request of these school systems, our congregation helped pack the food for families, and Peachtree served as a distribution point.

Over the past year, Peachtree raised more than $600,000 and produced 1,218 volunteer hours, placing more than 181,000 meals into the hands of the more than 200 families facing unforeseen difficulties. When the initiative is complete, our partners will have helped to provide people with more than 300,000 meals.

“We have provided stability for people during this crisis. In the midst of a trying time, they don’t have to worry about having to feed their families,” said Jeremy Lewis, Executive Director of Urban Recipe. “The relationship we have with Peachtree has allowed us to respond together. Those create opportunities for us to listen to what God has in mind for us: to both look within, and also share those gifts with others.”

Staying in touch Some additional initiatives included the Take 5 for 5, a volunteer effort for members to call and offer encouragement for others in the church during the time we were unable to meet together.

Organizers planned for volunteers, organized by ZIP code, to take five minutes a day, five times a week, to reach out to others by phone. (The Children’s Ministry, in concert with this effort, established a pen-pal program.) In all, nearly 284 volunteers contacted almost 5,600 people. Several volunteers contacted more than 400 individuals— each. To keep in touch with Peachtree’s Grand Adults, organizers started a “second round” in June, with no end date.

By touching base with anyone who is feeling disconnected and alone, and displaying the love of Jesus Christ, our members truly offered encouragement, as exhorted by the Spirit of the Living God in Philippians 2:4: “Do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.”

These troubled times might be easing down, but our initiatives at Peachtree are ongoing, and volunteers are still needed.

As we move forward from another year, let us celebrate our coming back together and the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Ask Him to guide you to where you might best serve, and—if you feel so led—visit our webpage at PeachtreeChurch.com/Serve to find some opportunities available to you.

PEACHTREECHURCH.COM

|

13

“RESTORE TO ME THE JOY OF YOUR SALVATION AND GRANT ME A WILLING SPIRIT, TO SUSTAIN ME.” – P S A L M 51:12

E T R

14

|

R E S T O R AT I O N S

Since 1994, Peachtree’s annual Easter Cross tradition has captured the attention of the congregation and Roswell Road travelers alike.

Easter PE AC H T R E E ’ S

A D I T I O N R ETUR NS

Carnations, lilies, snapdragons, mums, sunflowers, and gladiolas—as well as more than ten dozen roses— are carefully attached to the cross.

As with many other traditions and events at the church, the cross stood unadorned last year, draped only with the white linen to denote Jesus’ glorious resurrection.

In response, our members designed their own Easter Crosses, to share online with the Peachtree community. Through Peachtree’s website, families had the options to print a paper cross, post one to Instagram, or make one on their own out of cardboard.

PEACHTREECHURCH.COM

|

15

In a great reversal, people sent US pictures of their crosses—in paper, on Instagram, and even in chalk drawn on the driveway. It was such a special way to keep this annual tradition alive.

“I have not missed it since that first year,” Sharon Clark said. “And I was devastated we were unable to decorate the cross last year.

It has become such a major tradition at this church, which we did not expect at the beginning.”

Sharon Clark, co-organizer of Peachtree’s first Easter Cross, and Liz Tash, Peachtree’s Director of Hospitality

Fast-forward to this year, as we meet to celebrate our Lord’s victory and Resurrection. The Easter Cross tradition has been restored, and will be even more beautiful than ever.

“Easter is always a time of ‘new beginnings,’ but this year—coming out of COVID—it really feels like a new beginning for all of us,” Clark said. “We have such a presence in the community, and it feels great to be back, to bring the focus back to Him.”

Volunteers turn out to adorn Peachtree’s cross in flowers, an annual tradition since 1994.

16

|

R E S T O R AT I O N S

Families pause to take photos in front of Peachtree’s Easter Cross at the conclusion of worship services.

“HE IS NOT HERE; HE HAS RISEN!” – LU K E 2 4 : 6

PEACHTREECHURCH.COM

|

17

The sanctuary stood uncharacteristically empty during Easter service 2020.

Peachtree’s cross, usually covered in flowers, stands with a sole white linen cloth.

PEACHTREE LOOKS BACK “Though you have made me see troubles, many and bitter, you will restore my life again.” – PSALM 7 1:20

Little more than a year ago, we weren’t sure what would happen regarding this virus that everyone was reading about. Rumblings had started about schools and businesses closing, and “lockdown” became a word in our everyday vocabulary.

We did indeed make the decision to suspend in‑person worship and activities in mid-March.

Soon we pivoted to online worship, and adjusted so we could include and involve our viewers more.

While others were taking a step back, the congregation at Peachtree stepped forward, ensuring that people in our community—and beyond—had encouragement, food, money to pay for rent, and more.

18

|

R E S T O R AT I O N S

And here we are, a year later. This Easter, our doors will be opened to our community again, albeit to a limited capacity, praising the Father for the resurrection of His precious Son; thanking Him for keeping us and sustaining us through the past year, and for offering so many opportunities for us to spread His message of love to those in need.

When we look back, while we can’t help but see last year’s situation, let us also look back to years before. Let’s remember this sanctuary full of people, celebrating the Living God. Let’s think of all the families, young and old, worshiping together, in person. Let’s remember the throngs of people in front of the church, waiting to take pictures at our beautiful Easter Cross.

We thank Him for our ability to worship back in the sanctuary this year, and let us pray

that in the year to come, we are again full of people praising Him and thanking Him for our community’s coming together in person.

Thank you all for your faithfulness, actively and generously engaging with us as we navigate the path to normalcy. As our Father has done untold times in the past, He will restore our church to fullness, and we gratefully look forward to that.

Christ the Lord is risen today! Alleluia!

AND FORWARD

RETURN TO IN-PERSON WORSHIP

As in-person services have resumed, Peachtree looks forward to the day when services will be full of people, as they were during this Easter 2019 service.

PEACHTREECHURCH.COM

|

19

CONNECTED “FIVE, FOUR, THREE, TWO, ONE,” the floor producer counted down.

“CAMERA ONE, YOU’RE LIVE. CUE RICH,” came the voice of the director in the headset from broadcast control.

“GOOD MORNING, PEACHTREE. WHEN I WAS GROWING UP, EACH AND EVERY WEEK, NO MATTER WHAT, WE WENT TO CHURCH,” began Peachtree’s Senior Pastor, Dr. Richard Kannwischer.

It was Sunday morning, March 15, 2020, and Peachtree’s first online-only worship service had begun. The plan was to pause in-person services for a few weeks. ‘Flatten the curve’ was the rallying cry, and keeping the medical system from overload was the motivation.

We’ll be back soon. There’s no way we don’t have Easter services in person. Right?

RIGHT? 20

|

R E S T O R AT I O N S

DURING COVID Unexpected Togetherness in an Online World

Senior Pastor Richard Kannwischer (left), Video Producer Bryan Benitez (center), and Creative Director Dan Johnson (right), in the reconfigured sanctuary, begin Sunday morning online worship.

PEACHTREECHURCH.COM

|

21

Pastor Rich, now speaking directly into the camera— to the viewer—that first “virtual” Sunday, continued…

“LET ME BE VERY CLEAR: WE AT THE CHURCH ARE NOT CLOSED,” HE SAID, TO THE ONLINE AUDIENCE. “BUT WE ARE GOING TO HAVE TO BE CREATIVE AND FLEXIBLE IN ORDER FOR THINGS TO CONTINUE IN THE WAY THAT WE KNOW THAT THEY’RE SUPPOSED TO.”

And, thousands tuned in from Atlanta and from across the United States. There were even viewers watching from Mexico, Canada, the United Kingdom, Jamaica, Hong Kong, and Russia. Peachtree viewers in turn built their own online community during this time, posting pictures and videos to social media of their new, Sunday worship routines. From laptops, desktops and phones, to wall-mounted flat screens, from a viewer’s point of view, Peachtree Church didn’t miss a beat. Still, most believed this would be a very short-lived strategy, maybe a few weeks.

22

|

R E S T O R AT I O N S

ANTICIPATING THE POSSIBILITIES Just three weeks before, Peachtree’s leadership and worship teams met to discuss ‘what if’ scenarios, debating, considering the implications if, by some real stretch of the imagination, we were to need to close the doors of the church on Sunday mornings. No one on this COVID task force could imagine it would come to that. We had already gone so far as to put precautions in place—no shaking hands or giving hugs; no offering plate was being passed.

Pastor Rich briefs the team during a Sunday morning pre-service meeting.

The rapid developments were difficult to fathom. The COVID-19 outbreak was declared a global pandemic on March 11, and Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp reported the state’s first COVID-related death on March 12. That same afternoon, Peachtree’s leadership and session made the difficult call to transition to onlineonly worship temporarily.

GOD INTERCEDES TO GUIDE PREPARATION Peachtree Church had been live-streaming worship services for years before the shutdown. Because we’d been blessed with the resources, technology, and personnel to deliver weekly worship services online, an average of around 250 to 300 people were able to watch every Sunday morning.

Peachtree was streaming, but picture resolution was below standard.

Bryan Benitez and Amy Anderson in broadcast control during an online service.

WHAT WOULD HAPPEN , THOUGH , IF THOUSANDS WERE TO TRY TO ACCE SS OUR S TRE AMING SERVICE ? WHAT IF IT WERE TENS OF THOUSANDS ? WOULD OUR E XIS TING INFR A S TRUC TURE BE ABLE TO HANDLE THE LOAD?

PEACHTREECHURCH.COM

|

23

Literally, at the prompting of God’s Spirit, Peachtree’s Creative Team pondered these and other issues in January 2020. Unfortunately, the answer was not affirming, lacking in assurance of stability. The team immediately identified, secured, and installed new upgrades in software and hardware that would prove vital to our ability to live stream with confidence and quality to thousands of viewers.

“We purchased and installed this equipment without knowing what exactly was coming in March,” recounts Creative Director Dan Johnson. “A few weeks into the lockdown, we found out that essential equipment we’d secured was sold out and no longer available, so I am convinced that God led us to make these acquisitions when we did.”

Despite the technical upgrades, website servers did overload and crash on a couple of the first online Sunday broadcasts. Yet, the team responded quickly to address these bandwidth limitations, and stability was quickly established and maintained.

At a startling pace, the seriousness of the virus was becoming known. By the third week of March, the church campus was closed for all staff, except for those vital for continuing essential duties. The team creating and delivering the Sunday online worship experience was limited to a handful of individuals, the worship team and musicians, an associate pastor, and the senior pastor.

24

|

R E S T O R AT I O N S

Director of Music Ministry, Mary Hoffman, prepares for a segment during the online worship service.

A SPECIAL GUEST IN ATTENDANCE The sanctuary, out of necessity, was reconfigured into a television studio with new camera positions, special lighting, and audio equipment. Five to six different television cameras were used to deliver the live worship service each week, but only one cameraperson was operating all of them.

With an abundance of caution, the sanctuary was off-limits to anyone except essential personnel. The implications of someone on this team contracting the virus were too significant.

Johnson recalls one consistent exception, though. “Each week, all the way up in the very corner of the rear balcony, sitting quietly in the dark, there was a person. I didn’t know who they were, how they got in, or what they were doing,” Johnson says. “Then after the service, the person would silently and without notice be gone.”

The same thing happened week after week until Johnson approached Creative Team member Jerry Flowers, who operates the audio board in the balcony. Johnson asked who the person was and what they were doing. Jerry knew. The person in the very top of the balcony, on the back row, in the dark, was a Peachtree Church Elder, and he was praying for the success of the service.

“I can’t overemphasize the challenge of what we were trying to do each week, live, with a tiny crew, with no safety net,” Johnson remembers. “But, I came to the point where, when we would begin the service, and I looked to the top of the balcony, and I saw Todd Thompson, our prayer warrior, I knew everything was going to be okay.”

And everything was okay. Palm Sunday came. Holy Week arrived, along with Maundy Thursday and Easter Sunday. The once unthinkable happened: Easter Sunday was online worship only. And yet, with the blessing of God, His message of love and hope was delivered to thousands.

Wil Brown leads worship, along with Benito Thompson’s violin accompaniment.

PEACHTREECHURCH.COM

|

25

Barry Gaeddert’s live Pray the Scriptures devotionals continue to inspire and encourage hundreds.

ONLINE OUTREACH FLOURISHES

Women’s communities continued to flourish during the pandemic.

During the spring, Pastor Rich hosted Grace Moments Live from his office.

26

|

R E S T O R AT I O N S

Online worship services were just one of the digital offerings Peachtree developed at the outset of the pandemic. Barry Gaeddert, Pastor for Spiritual Formation, initiated and taught a devotion series, Pray the Scriptures, delivered live every morning of the week via Zoom. The 15-minute time of meditation and prayer reached hundreds, becoming a cherished morning ritual for many in the Peachtree family.

Men’s and women’s communities not only began meeting virtually on Zoom, but they actually grew and thrived, with participants reporting authentic community connections and new relationships. Both IRONMEN and Women’s Bible Studies found anticipated barriers to true togetherness were overcome through genuine sharing and caring.

Rev. Deanne Townsend, Pastor for Children and Families, hosts a Sunday Funday video to engage children early in the pandemic.

Director of Middle School Ministry Wes Nichols uses one of Student Ministries’ many creative videos to stay connected with our students.

Senior Pastor Richard Kannwischer hosted a live, weekly webinar, entitled GrACE Moments, guiding our community through the first months of the pandemic by revisiting our mission measures of Gratitude, Availability, Curiosity, and Encouragement. Hundreds tuned in each week, submitting questions, and hearing a variety of special guests discuss current event topics.

Children and Families Ministries (CFM) and Student Ministries developed online platforms to stay connected with their families. Each week, CFM created video content and lesson plans that were easily accessible for parents to share with their children. Student Ministries improvised and met consistently, although virtually, with teens in their program. Throughout the early months of the pandemic and to the present, these two ministries’ level of commitment and creativity ensured children and students remained connected.

All of these efforts, in combination, contributed to a vast and diverse offering of content created to maintain and grow our Christian community. As Peachtree’s opportunity and digital footprint expands, the future of these platforms and techniques will evolve, seeking innovative and relevant ways to share the story of God’s love and mercy.

The Peachtree Online community continues to worship each Sunday morning at 10am and consistently includes as many as 2,500-3,000 people each week. Peachtree also updated their YouTube page to make our stories and services more accessible. The services’ reach and influence stretch well beyond Atlanta and even Georgia, with roughly 28 percent of viewers participating from outside the state. Peachtree Online has unique views in the double-digits from 27 countries, including Canada, Mexico, India, United Kingdom, Brazil, Spain, Columbia, and Indonesia.

“We hear a clear message from our community that Peachtree Online is a vital part of our worship and teaching options,” says Pastor Rich. “We want to continue to meet people’s spiritual needs by sharing the message of God’s love and His promise of hope.

God provided a new opportunity and platform to grow and inspire our community, and we are dedicated to developing new and creative ways to accomplish that.”

This Holy Week, Peachtree will host an in-person Maundy Thursday service at 7pm and five in‑person Easter services, beginning Saturday afternoon, April 3, at 3 and 5pm, followed by three services on Easter Sunday morning, at 8, 9:30, and 11am. The Peachtree Online Easter service will begin at 10am on Easter Sunday.

PEACHTREECHURCH.COM

|

27

THE WORLD I S WATCHING PEACHTREE ONLINE

PE ACHTRE E ONLINE VIEWERSHIP MARCH 15, 2020-MARCH 14, 2021

MINUTES VIEWED

3,698,284 AV E R AG E WAT C H T I M E

28:38 T O TA L V I E WS *

1 5 4 , 47 9 * One view is estimated to represent 1.8 total viewers

My time of worship with you is the highlight of my week. I love being together with you from North Carolina.

– CAROL

I live in Alexandria, Va., and have been listening to the worship service every Sunday since last April. Thank you for giving me a place to worship during this trying time.

– HARVEY

28

|

R E S T O R AT I O N S

My husband Ajay and I watch every Sunday from Howe Island, Ontario! … I am a member of Peachtree, and he has enthusiastically embraced the church. During this pandemic, he has accepted Jesus into his life as his Savior and has a deep and personal relationship with the Lord. Thanks to all of you! This is the best news I will ever report in my life! Prayer works!

– JOAN AND A JAY

Thank you Peachtree—we do feel like we are worshipping with family on Sunday mornings.

Peachtree has always been centered around missions—this is another much appreciated mission of Peachtree!

– BETH AND WALT, LOGANVILLE

I live by myself, but I know my Seekers Community is all around me. I can still visualize where I would usually sit, and I know fellow members are with me.

I “see” the ministers and hear the choir. I may not have others in the house, but I am not alone.

– PAT T Y

I am so grateful for the opportunity to worship in this way! Pats on the back and heartfelt gratitude to all who make it possible.

– MISSY

PEACHTREECHURCH.COM

|

29

Peachtree Church is a dynamic and vibrant faith community located in Atlanta, Georgia. We invite you to join our community and participate in our calling, Joining Christ daily in the restoration of all things.

PeachtreeChurch.com/Prayer Share your prayer requests and pray for others.

PeachtreeChurch.com/Grow Find online Bible studies and groups to encourage your faith journey and grow your knowledge and understanding of God’s love.

PeachtreeChurch.com/Watch And, of course, we invite you to worship with us on Sunday mornings, in-person or online.

PeachtreeChurch.com/Give If God is calling you to support our ministries financially, you can do so online.

F O L L OW U S O N S O C I A L M E D I A :

FACEBOOK

instagram

YOUTUBE

/PeachtreePres

@PeachtreeChurch

/PeachtreeChurch